MLB TV: Do You Need to Pay For the ESPN App, Too?!

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Buy Me a Coffee!

TV Answer Man, I purchased MLB. Then I had to purchase the ESPN/DISNEY/MLB app. Do I still need the separate MLB app? Aren’t they now combined? I paid for the MLB app and now I see it in the ESPN app and paid again. There should be a law about creating such a confusing problem. Plus, how many services should be making money off of one procedure. Confused, Ella, Town Withheld.

Ella, I feel your pain. The ESPN Unlimited app is the new home of MLB TV, Major League Baseball’s out-of-market streaming plan. The change has triggered considerable confusion among fans and particularly MLB TV subscribers. Let’s see if we can clarify things for you.

If you purchased the MLB TV out of market plan for $149, then you get a free 30-day free trial of the ESPN Unlimited app. (It’s not optional.) If you don’t want the ESPN app, cancel prior to the end of the 30- day trial and you won’t be charged for it. If you don’t cancel, you will be. You are not required to pay for both the MLB plan and the ESPN app.

However, if you get MLB TV’s out-of-market package, you can watch it either at the MLB app or the ESPN app.

Second, you didn’t say if you purchased the $149 out-of-market plan, or a regional TV single team package such as those offered by the Cardinals, Braves, Mariners, Rays (and many more). But if you did buy a $99 single team in-market MLB plan, you don’t need to use the ESPN app at all. The free ESPN trial does not come with those plans and the regional ‘Team.TV’ streams are not available on the ESPN app.

Ella, I hope that answers your question. If you are still unsure, feel free to ask again. Happy viewing and stay safe!

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